Category: General Health & Management

Its-on-the-Horse-Feed-Tag-Part-7
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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 7

Feeding directions are a good place to start. It is very important to understand that feeds are formulated by nutritionists to be fed at specific rates. When the correct amount of feed is provided, the horse consumes the appropriate amount of energy and nutrients. The feeding directions included on the feed tag are specific to a particular feed and should be followed.

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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 6

What can you learn from a list of ingredients? All of the ingredients in a feed will be listed on the feed tag under the ingredients list. Ingredients are listed in descending order from the greatest amount to least amount. Typically you will find grains and/or fiber sources listed first, because they are included in larger amounts, followed by minerals and vitamins that are added in small quantities.

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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 5

Guaranteed analysis of minerals and vitamins. When reviewing the guaranteed analysis for mineral and vitamin content, remember: more isn’t always better. Minerals and vitamins need to be feed at proper levels, and in some cases in specific ratios. Concentrates are formulated to meet a horse’s needs at specific ages or stages of life. Some feeds are formulated to contain minerals and vitamins that complement specific types of forages, such as alfalfa hay or grass hay. This will be listed on the label.

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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 4

What does the guaranteed analysis really tell you? If you have looked at a feed tag you have seen a guaranteed analysis (GA) of nutrients. It is full of minimums and maximums, crude this and that, and lots of numbers. But what does the GA really tell you about the feed you are considering for your horse? A lot!

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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 3

The purpose statement Long gone are the days of feeding every horse in the barn a scoop of oats and a flake of hay. Decades of equine nutrition research have shown us that not all horses can or should be fed in the same manner. Life stages, workload, and overall health dictate the nutrients required by each individual horse.

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It’s on the Horse Feed Tag – Part 1

Who is AAFCO and what do they have to do with my horse’s feed? AAFCO is the Association of American Feed Control Officials. It is a voluntary association whose members are made up of local, state and federal agencies that are charged by law to regulate the sale and distribution of animal feeds.

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